Fourier Intelligence, a Shanghai-based robotics firm, has unveiled its latest model, the GR-2. As the newest addition to the GRx humanoid series, GR-2 comes after the success of its predecessor, GR-1, which was launched in mid-2023.
The GR-1, Fourier’s first bipedal general-purpose humanoid, was designed to assist the elderly with daily tasks. With GR-2, the company has integrated substantial upgrades based on user feedback, improving its hardware, software, and design to better engage with the physical world.
“GR-2 is a big step into the future of humanoid robotics. We’re passionate about building the most intuitive embodied agent for AI, allowing it to engage with the physical world in ways like never before, “CEO Alex Gu stated.
Standing 175 cm tall and weighing 63 kg, the GR-2 boasts impressive capabilities. Its 53 degrees of freedom and single-arm load capacity of 3 kg enable it to handle intricate and challenging tasks with ease. One of the standout features is its detachable battery, which has doubled in capacity, extending its runtime by an additional hour, making it ideal for longer operations such as extended walking.
The robot’s engineering has been enhanced with integrated cabling for both power and communication, optimizing its internal structure for greater flexibility. This compact, modular design allows for more efficient customization, catering to a wide range of specific applications.
A major improvement comes in the form of GR-2’s hand design. The humanoid’s 12 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) hand includes six array-type tactile sensors, giving it the ability to detect force and identify the materials and shapes of objects. This real-time adaptability allows for precise manipulation of items, even in dynamic environments, making GR-2 capable of performing tasks that require a high degree of dexterity and control.
Fourier has integrated AI with physical robotics in GR-2, using custom-designed FSA 2.0 actuators that give the robot the ability to mimic human-like motion. These actuators, designed to handle peak torques exceeding 380 N.m, significantly boost GR-2’s agility and dynamic range, enabling it to perform complex tasks with speed and precision. The dual-encoder system further enhances control accuracy, allowing for detailed, smooth movements.
The robot is also equipped with a comprehensive software development kit (SDK) that supports popular programming languages like ROS and features pre-configured modules for machine vision, path planning, and force feedback control. This developer-friendly approach enables faster innovation by supporting frameworks such as NVIDIA Isaac Lab and Mujoco, allowing creators to focus on advancing the robot’s capabilities without being bogged down by technical complexities.
Fourier Intelligence is focused on six key areas of development for humanoid robotics: locomotion, manipulation, cognition, bionic design, user experience, and economic feasibility.
With the launch of GR-2, the firm is making a bold step toward advancing human-robot collaboration and AI-driven technological breakthroughs.